TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file a presentation on Success In Challenges, Inc. and the Long Beach Freedom School.
DISCUSSION
Success in Challenges, Inc. is a Long Beach-based non-profit grassroots social service organization. It was founded in 2001 by Rev. O. Leon Wood, Jr. and its executive director is Paula Wood.
In 2005, Success In Challenges established the Long Beach Freedom School, the first of its kind in Southern California. The Freedom School is a six-week summer reading enrichment program that is part of the national Children's Defense Fund Freedom Schools Program.
Nearly 100 students, ages 6-14, just completed their participation in the 11 th year of the Long Beach Freedom School, based on a model of 1) high quality literacy enrichment; 2) parent and family involvement; 3) civic engagement and social action; 4) intergenerational leadership development and health; and 5) mental health and nutrition. As part of the Freedom School Program, there is also a Teen Leadership component for high school students.
In addition to the Freedom School, Success In Challenges provides a number of other valuable services to the community, including a Saturday Tutorial Academy, a Youth 'N Art Program and the After-School Program at the Northpointe Apartments, providing homework assistance, enrichment activities and a healthy snack to a population of more than 500 at-risk youth. They are also a partner in the Math Collaborative, providing leadership development and math enrichment to high school students.
Success In Challenges provides model programs, such as the Long Beach Freedom School, serving hundreds of young people in Long Beach.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
AL AUSTIN
COUNCILMAN, EIGHTH DISTRICT